Container lid lifting device

ABSTRACT

A device for lifting a lid of a container is disclosed. The device includes a first strap, having a first and second end; a pulley, in communication with the first strap, positioned between the first and second end; a connector, attached to the first end of the first strap, that connects the first strap to the lid; a weight, attached to the second end of the first strap; a weight support piece, that holds the weight in a first position; and an actuator, coupled to the weight support piece, that displaces the weight support piece and allows the weight to move substantially downward to a second position; wherein the weight&#39;s movement causes the strap, in communication with the pulley, to exert a substantially upward pulling force on the connector, and consequently on the lid.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to devices for lifting lids of containers, and more particularly a detachable device that allows a user to lift a lid of a hinged garbage receptacle without the use of his hands.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Lidded containers are a widespread means of storage-both temporary and long-term storage. These containers are used to store food, paper, liquids, waste and countless other items. One particular type of lidded container in common use is the hinged garbage receptacle. These receptacles are characterized by their generally large size, which, advantageously, enables them to hold large quantities of trash, as well as two wheels. These wheels are typically located near the bottom of the receptacle, on opposite sides. The wheels allow a user to simply tilt the receptacle backward and wheel it to the curbside for pick up.

[0003] For the past several years, as advances have been made in the garbage collection process, hinged garbage receptacles have become widely used. However, as is well known to anyone who has ever taken out the trash, the lifting of the lid on the garbage receptacle with one hand, while keeping a firm hold on the trash being brought out, is a coordinated effort that frequently ends in disaster. In an effort to lift the lid and maintain control of the garbage-in-arm, frequently the disposing individual ends up dropping the trash, which, depending on the nature of the garbage, can create significant mess. This problem is even more apparent when an ambitious individual attempts to carry trash out in both arms. Also, for those individuals who may lack upper body strength, such as the aged or infirm, the coordination of lifting the receptacle lid, while maintaining a hold on the trash, may be impossible.

[0004] Accordingly, a device that would allow a user to lift the lid of the container, without the use of his hands would be advantageous. Additionally, given the ubiquitousness of hinged garbage receptacles, an easily detachable device that can be used with these receptacles would be advantageous.

[0005] A variety of U.S. patents disclose various devices and methods related to trash disposal. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,966 to Craft, Jr. discloses a wastebasket that includes a base portion with an open upper end and a cover pivotally attached thereto.

[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,048,712 and 5,195,649 to Wolters disclose a treadle top container for refuse and the like and includes a lower container member interconnected with an upper container member by an upright container member.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,271 to Miller, et al. discloses a waste disposal bin for containing a trash can therein and includes a four wall cabinet with a flap panel hingedly attached in blocking relation to an opening through an upper portion of a front wall.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,201 to Liu describes a structure of a foot trash can that is to improve the disadvantages of a conventional foot trash can which lifts up its cover vertically right above the opening of the can and easily spreads bad odor out of the trash can.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,395 to Probst discloses a self-releasing latch arrangement applied to a conventional rubbish container having hinged lid and being liftable and dumpable by the usual automated garbage truck.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,874 to Deters discloses a refuse container having features which adapt it to comply with federal laws and regulations facilitating use by handicapped individuals.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,319 to Shane da Costa discloses a garbage container cover and liner protector for preventing a trash liner from falling into the container.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,024 to Wang discloses a trash can with a cap opened with a step and includes an outer trash can, an inner trash can, a cap closing on the outer trash can, a moving mechanism and a step.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,238 to Jaros discloses a trash receptacle with a slowly closing lid.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,200 to Armor discloses a separate, self contained, lever mechanism which may be placed adjacent to the front of large residential trash barrels with lids hinged at the back of the barrel, for creating hands free assistance in opening and closing the lid.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 3,989,162 to Hodge, et al. discloses a trash container lid system for placement on top of large industrial trash bins of the type utilized in hotels, apartment houses, etc., in which a lid section is rotatably coupled to a trash bin.

[0016] Other U.S. Patents relating generally to containers include U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,034 to Mittel, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,692 to Kronmiller and U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,647 to Han.

[0017] Each of the foregoing patents is hereby incorporated by reference for its supporting teachings.

[0018] While these patents demonstrate improvement in their respective areas, none adequately provide a device for lifting lids of containers, and more particularly an easily detachable device that allows a user to lift a lid of a hinged garbage receptacle without the use of his hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] There is, therefore, provided a detachable device that allows a user to lift a lid of a hinged receptacle, or other container, without the use of his hands. The device includes a first strap, connected at one end to the lid of the container. The other end of the strap is attached to a weight. A pulley is positioned between the first and second end of the strap.

[0020] A weight support piece holds the weight in a first position, and an actuator is coupled to the weight support piece. When actuated, the actuator displaces the weight support piece and allows the weight to move substantially downward to a second position. Because the strap is in communication with the pulley, the substantially downward movement of the weight on one end of the strap results in a substantially upward pulling force on the lid connected to the other end of the strap.

[0021] In one embodiment, the pulley is coupled to a frame. In one embodiment of the present invention, the pulley is a nylon rod.

[0022] The actuator can be a foot pedal that is coupled to the weight support piece. In one embodiment, a second strap is connected at one end to the weight support piece, and at the other end to the actuator. In one embodiment, the weight support piece is a spring-loaded latch.

[0023] The connector, connecting the first strap to the lid, can be substantially hook-shaped and able to detachably connect to a lip on the lid.

[0024] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying drawings and claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 is a front view of a container lid lifting device according to the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a side view of a container lid lifting device according to the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 3 is a side view of the container lid lifting device of FIG. 2, showing the container lid in a second position.

[0028]FIG. 4(a) is a side-sectional view of one embodiment of a lid-hooking connector.

[0029]FIG. 4(b) is a side-sectional view of a second embodiment of a lid-hooking connector.

[0030]FIG. 5 is a side-sectional view of a weight support piece according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0031] The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

[0032]FIG. 1 shows a container lid lifting device 10. In this embodiment, the device 10 includes a frame 12. The frame 12 includes a vertical portion 14 and a horizontal portion 16 interconnected by an first elbow portion 18. Running along the inside of the frame 12 is a first strap 22. This strap 22 is connected at one end to a weight 24, and at the other end to the lid 38 of the container 36. In this embodiment, a second elbow portion 20 directs the strap 22 in a downward direction toward the container lid 38.

[0033] The strap 22 is connected to the lid 38 of the container 36 by a connector 27. The connector 27 in this embodiment is a post 26, fastened to the lid 38, to which the strap 22 is wrapped around. It is noted that the strap 22 should be detachably connected to the post 26 so that the container 36 may be removed from the device 10 (e.g. when it is necessary to empty the container 36).

[0034] The weight 24 is supported in a first position 25 by a weight support piece 32. The weight support piece 32 is, in turn, coupled to an actuator 30. In this embodiment, the actuator 30 is a foot pedal. The actuator 30 is shown coupled to the weight support piece 32 by a second strap 34.

[0035] In operation, a user depresses the foot pedal actuator 30 which results in a downward pulling force exerted on the weight support piece 32. The weight support piece 32, which is pivotally attached to the frame 12, is thus retracted and the weight 24, having substantially no support, drops to a second position 23.

[0036] In one embodiment, the weight support piece 32 is a spring loaded latch. As such, when the user depresses the foot pedal 30, the latch 32, which is pivotally connected to the frame 12, is retracted until it no longer substantially contacts the weight 24 (thus allowing the weight 24 to fall). When the user ceases depressing the foot pedal 30, the spring pulls the latch 32 back inward, thereby resuming its support position.

[0037] The downward movement of the weight 24 exerts a downward force (indicated by arrow 21) upon the strap 22. Through the pulleys 28, this downward force is converted into an upward pulling force (indicated by arrow 31) exerted on the lid 38. In this manner, the lid 38 is lifted, thus allowing a user to place items in the container 36 without the use of his hands.

[0038] It is noted that the second position 23 of the weight 24 determines how high the lid 38 is lifted. In some instances, it may be desirable to allow the weight 24 to fall all the way to the bottom 50 of the frame 12, thereby allowing maximum lid 38 lifting.

[0039] Once the weight 24 has fallen to the second position 23, the lid 38 remains lifted until a user manually places the weight 24 back in its first position 25. This can be facilitated by attaching a pull-down strap 46 to the lid 38. In one embodiment, the pull-down strap 46 is secured at one end to the post 26. The other end of the strap 46 may include a handle 46.

[0040] In operation, the user will pull substantially downward on the pull-down strap 46. This downward pulling force will be converted through the pulleys 28 to an upward pulling force on the weight 24. As the weight 24 is traveling upward, the support piece 32, which is pivotally retractable in the upward direction, will be urged into the retracted position. Once the weight 24 has moved past the support piece 32, the support piece 32 (e.g. through a spring) will resume its support position, thereby preventing the weight 24 from dropping.

[0041] A platform 44 can also be included with the present invention. This platform 44 is coupled to the frame 12, and provides a base on which the container 36 may rest. Advantageously, the platform 44 can help further secure the container 36, thus preventing unwanted movement of the container 36 that could impair the function of the lid lifting device 10. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the platform 44 can also include wheel grooves 41 that help secure the container wheels 42.

[0042]FIGS. 2 and 3 show a side view of a container lid lifting device 10, with the lid 38 being in closed and open positions respectively. As is apparent from the side view, the platform 44 can include a ramp 43 to allow easier movement of the container 36 on and off of the platform 44. The hinge 37 connecting the lid 38 to the container 36 is also shown.

[0043] FIGS. 4(a) and (b) show side-sectional views of two different embodiments of connectors 27. Depending on the type of container lid 38, a variety of connectors 27 may be used.

[0044] The connector 27 of FIG. 4(a) is substantially C-shaped, and has two ends 51 that are spaced apart a distance that is slightly less than the width (d_(w)) of the lip 39. Thus, when the connector 27 is placed over the lip 39, the ends 51 firmly clasp around the lip 39 in a snug connection. When a user wishes to disengage the connector 27, it is a simple matter of firmly pulling the connector 27 until it is dislodged.

[0045] The connector 27 of FIG. 4(b) is more pronouncedly hook-shaped, and has a hooking end 53 that wraps around the bottom edge 55 of the lip 39. To disengage this connector 27, one simply pulls forward and downward.

[0046]FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a weight support piece 32 according to the present invention. The weight support piece 32 has an edge 57 that protrudes through an opening 58 in the frame 14. The edge 57 is in contact with a portion of the bottom surface 58 of the weight 24. The weight support piece 32 is attached to the second strap 34, which is coupled to the foot pedal 30. When a user depresses the foot pedal 30, the weight support piece 32 is pulled back, as indicated by arrow 55, to a second position 56. When in the second position 56, the edge 57 is pulled out through the opening 58 until it is in substantially no contact with the weight 24.

[0047] When the weight support piece 32 is being withdrawn, a tension is created in a spring 60 which is connected at one end 61 to the weight support piece 32 and at the other end (not shown) to the frame 14. When the foot pedal 30 is released, the tension in the spring 60 causes the weight support piece 32 to resume its weight supporting position.

[0048] The weight support piece 32 is pivotally coupled to the frame 14 through a mounting bracket 54. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 54 is made of anodized aluminum. The weight support piece 32 is rotatably coupled to an axle 51 that runs between a first side piece 52 and a second side piece 53 of the mounting bracket 52.

[0049] Variations of the Invention

[0050] In addition to any previously indicated variations, numerous other modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.

[0051] For example, the present invention relates to a device for lifting a lid of a container. While more particular mention is made above of a hinged garbage receptacle, it is considered to be within the scope of the present invention to be utilized on virtually any container having a lid. Preferably, the lid 38 is hingedly connected to the container 36.

[0052] Th term “strap” is intended to include any linkage member between the weight 24 and the lid 38, and also between the actuator 30 and the weight support piece 32. For example, the first strap 22 can have a substantially round cross-section. The first strap 22 can be flat, braided, linked or any other shape that would allow sufficient flexibility to be used with the present invention. Moreover, the first strap 22 can be made of any suitable material, including, nylon, leather, cotton, or any other pliable material, or combination of materials, of adequate strength known in the art. The first strap 22 could also be a chain. Because the second strap 34 is not necessarily required to be flexible, in addition to the materials identified above, the second strap 34 could be virtually any linkage member between the actuator 30 and the weight support piece 32, including steel rods and other solid pieces.

[0053] In the embodiment discussed above, the pulley 28 is a nylon rod. However, numerous other types of pulleys would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Any mechanism that is capable of changing direction of a pulling force is considered to be within the scope of the present invention, including, but not limited to wheel pulleys, and other low friction surfaces over which the strap 22 may run.

[0054] The connectors 27 discussed above include connectors that hook or otherwise clasp the lid 38 of the container at a lip 39. It is noted that the connector 27 could attach to the lid in a variety of places and ways. For example, the connector could be attached to any edge of the lid.

[0055] The connector could include a portion that is permanently fastened to the lid, as is the case with the post 26 mentioned above.

[0056] The weight 24 should be sufficient mass that its release causes the lid to be sufficiently lifted. The weight can be made from a variety of materials that would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0057] The weight support piece 32 can be designed such that the entire bottom surface of the weight is supported by and in contact with the support piece. Alternatively, in one embodiment, only a slight portion of the weight is in contact with the support piece 32.

[0058] The actuator can have a second strap coupling it to the weight support piece, or alternatively, the actuator could be directly attached to the weight support piece. Or, the actuator could be coupled to the support piece with a non-pliable connector, such as a plastic arm.

[0059] The frame can be of various materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, plastic, steel and wood. It is also noted that the present invention does not require a frame to operate. In one embodiment, the pulley 28 and actuator could be directly mounted to a wall or other structure. 

What is claimed is: 1) A device for lifting a lid of a container, comprising: a) a first strap, having a first and second end; b) a pulley, in communication with the first strap, positioned between the first and second end; c) a connector, attached to the first end of the first strap, that connects the first strap to the lid; d) a weight, attached to the second end of the first strap; e) a weight support piece, that holds the weight in a first position; and f) an actuator, coupled to the weight support piece, that displaces the weight support piece and allows the weight to move substantially downward to a second position; wherein the weight's movement causes the strap, in communication with the pulley, to exert a substantially upward pulling force on the connector, and consequently on the lid. 2) the device of claim 1, wherein the pulley is coupled to a frame. 3) The device of claim 1, wherein the pulley is a nylon rod. 4) The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a foot pedal. 5) The device of claim 1, further comprising a second strap, having a third end connected to the weight support piece and a fourth end connected to the actuator. 6) The device of claim 1, wherein the weight support piece is a spring-loaded latch. 7) The device of claim 1, wherein the connector is substantially hook-shaped and connects to a lip on the lid. 8) The device of claim 1, wherein the container is a hinged garbage container. 9) A method of lifting a lid of a container, comprising the steps of: a) attaching a first end of a first strap to the lid; b) attaching a second end of the first strap to a weight supported by a weight support device; c) positioning the first strap on a pulley, between the first and second ends; and d) removing the weight support device such that such that the weight moves substantially downward, which downward movement of the weight causes the strap, in communication with the pulley, to exert a substantially upward pulling force on the lid, thereby lifting the lid. 10) The method of claim 9, wherein the step of removing the weight support device further comprises the steps of: a) coupling an actuator to the weight support device; and b) actuating the actuator. 11) The method of claim 10, wherein the actuator is a foot pedal. 12) The method of claim 10, further comprising a second strap, having a third end connected to the weight support piece and a fourth end connected to the actuator. 13) The method of claim 9, wherein the pulley is coupled to a frame. 14) The method of claim 9, wherein the pulley is a nylon rod. 15) The method of claim 9, wherein the weight support piece is a spring-loaded latch. 16) The method of claim 9, wherein the connector is substantially hook-shaped and connects to a lip on the lid. 17) The method of claim 9, wherein the container is a hinged garbage container. 18) A lid lifting device for lifting a lid of a container, comprising: a) a base, for placing the container thereon; b) a frame, extending from the base and above the container; c) a linkage member, slidably mounted along the frame and extending above the container; d) a weight, slidably mounted to the frame, coupled to one end of the linkage member, and positioned a distance above the base; e) a coupling, coupled to another end of the linkage member, designed to be releasably coupled to the lid of the container; and f) a switch, pivotally coupled to the frame and releasably coupled to the weight, having: 1) a first position that maintains the weight in the position located a distance above the base; 2) a second position that releases the weight to traverse downward thus pulling the linkage member so as to raise the lid of the container. 19) The lid lifting device of claim 18, further comprising an actuator, located adjacent the base and below the switch, coupled to the switch designed to be activated by a foot of a user that depresses the actuator which in turn moves the switch from the first position to the second position. 20) The lid lifting device of claim 18, wherein the linkage member is a strap. 21) The lid lifting device of claims 18, further comprising a pulley, located above the container, and having the strap mounted thereon to allow the strap to rotate therearound when the weight traverses downward. 